Match Firearms and Ammunition Correctly!

With so many kinds of firearms and types of ammunition, it’s not always easy to match the proper ammunition to your handgun correctly—but getting it right is critical. If you match the wrong ammunition to your gun, you can cause an explosion, injuring or possibly killing yourself and any bystanders.

To match the proper ammunition to your handgun correctly:

Read the specific caliber designation on the side of the barrel or slide. Match that designation exactly. For example, if it says “.45 GAP,” you cannot use “.45 ACP.”

Carefully read the information on the lid of the ammunition box. Always check to ensure it matches the data on the barrel or slide.

Finally, match the information on the barrel to the information on the cartridge before you shoot. If in doubt, ask a more experienced shooter or a qualified gunsmith. Some store clerks, although they sell ammunition, may not know about the differences in sizes or the type of handgun you shoot.

On a semi-automatic pistol, the data stamp is usually
found on the slide.
The data stamp of a revolver is usually stamped on the side of the barrel.

Concealedcarry-ed.com is committed to concealed carry and handgun education. We work to produce a concealed carry course that’s accurate and meets the state’s education requirements for a concealed carry license.